Discover Märkischer Kreis: Castle, Museums and Sea of Rocks

In Märkischer Kreis, attractions range from Middle Palaeolithic archaeological sites and a castle of national importance to industrial history, rock formations and historic train rides. Culture, landscape and outdoor activities offer different highlights for your trip.

Cultural History and Technology

Altena Castle is a monument of national importance and was home to the world’s first—and therefore oldest—permanent youth hostel. The German Wire Museum offers a different focus: this interactive museum explores wire production past and present, with hands-on stations inviting visitors to take part. In addition to the history of technology, the museum also covers the social, economic and cultural history of wire.

Balve Cave takes you much further back in time. Thanks to its archaeological finds, it is one of Europe’s most important sites for the cultures of the Middle Palaeolithic. The cultural and historical spectrum thus ranges from Palaeolithic cultures and the history of wire production to Altena Castle’s special role as a youth hostel.

Rock Landscapes and Designated Trails

In the limestone areas of northern Märkischer Kreis, the gorges of the Hönne Valley are among the region’s representative nature reserves. The Felsenmeer in Hemer features impressive rock formations that have formed over centuries under the influence of wind, water and people. It is also the site of one of the oldest iron ore mining areas in Westphalia. The Felsenmeer can only be explored via designated trails; the designated panoramic trail leads to viewpoints. Check the latest trail and safety information before your visit.

Experience Industrial History

The Luisenhütte is a visitor-focused museum that vividly shows how iron was produced there and further processed into cast products. There is a geocaching multicache around the site. Visitors can borrow GPS devices at the Hüttenschänke and set off on a digital scavenger hunt using a flyer. If you plan to take part, check the availability of devices and the current arrangements in advance.

Plan Train Rides and Routes

On selected days, the Sauerland Kleinbahn museum train carries visitors back and forth between Hüinghausen and Köbbinghauser Hammer in restored carriages. On operating days between May and October, the trains travel through the Elsetal landscape. Special steam or diesel rides can be booked outside the published timetable. Check the specific operating dates and booking options before your trip.

For cyclists, the Märkische Höhlenroute follows the well-signposted “Radeln nach Zahlen” numbered junction network and offers several access points along the route. Check the current signposting and access points before setting off. The Sauerland Höhenflug and Sauerland Waldroute, two long-distance hiking trails that cross the region, also run through Märkischer Kreis.

The options differ considerably when planning your day: visits to the Felsenmeer are restricted to designated trails, the Märkische Höhlenroute has several access points, and the museum railway runs on selected days. You can therefore choose based on whether you prefer a fixed route, various starting points along a trail or a suitable train departure date.

Discover more destinations: Meinerzhagen, Kierspe, Nachrodt-Wiblingwerde, Iserlohn, Balve, Lüdenscheid, Menden, Neuenrade, Herscheid, Schalksmühle, Werdohl, Halver, Hemer, Altena, Plettenberg.

Back to the regional travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.